Page 37 of the Cover Letter Tutorial: Excerpts

Excerpts that Demonstrate Employer Knowledge

Excerpts from letters that demonstrate company knowledge and in some cases flatter the employer:

Dear Mr. Knox:

I am interested in exploring the possibility of an accounting internship with your company. I chose your firm because of its excellent reputation and aggressive commitment to the accounting profession.

Dear Ms. Weatherwax:

For some years now I have been both an admirer and enthusiast of Birnbaum Investments’ many subsidiaries and its ongoing quest to introduce new products that both diversify and capture various aspects of the tourist industry. Birnbaum appears to be the company for future innovation in tourism in Barbados and I know I can contribute to its continued success.

Having been previously employed at Walt Disney World I completely understand that customer satisfaction is the main priority in achieving success in the theme-park business. An organization that prides itself on effective recruiting and the retention training and management of its employees is best equipped to cater to consumer needs in today’s competitive arena.

Dear Ms. Janssen:

I enjoyed your informative presentation at Bowdoin College so much that I was inspired to research Hoechst Marion Roussel further. In doing so I discovered that my professional demeanor and sales talents would be an excellent match for the third-largest drug company in the world. Noticing that Hoechst streamlined its labor force in 1995 demonstrates to me that you emphasize quality rather than quantity a philosophy that aligns directly with my characteristics. My solid academic performance work ethic drive organizational skills and strong interest in the pharmaceutical industry should provide evidence of my ability to perform outstanding results for your company.

Stocks Unlimited is a great company to work for with a friendly environment where my skills and talents can be maximized to their full potential to benefit the firm. I am impressed with the values of your company; you treat customers the same way you would want to be treated and I would be proud to part of your team.

The writer of the next letter learned through his research that the corporate headquarters of a large hotel chain was relocating and would need a human resources representative in the new location to hire local people and ease the transition for those that would be moving with the company:

Dear Ms. Mangel:

I was very excited to learn of the human resources representative position you are offering. I am looking at this position as a great opportunity to help your company through this transitional period. I am convinced that my enthusiasm and creativity will help smooth your move. You will also find that my work ethic and my organizational skills will mold your incentive programs into real morale-boosters at a challenging time.

Researching the company isn’t just effective for showing a prospective employer that you’ve done your homework. It also can be a powerful technique for uncovering hidden opportunities.

Demonstrating knowledge of the company works extremely well with the uninvited/cold-contact type of cover letter because it enables you to address the needs of the employer even when those needs have not been advertised. Annual reports business periodicals and the Internet are just a few excellent sources of company research. So are the people who work at the firm.

Notice how the writers of these paragraphs have used such research information not only to impress prospective employers but as a possible way to crack the hidden job market:

I was pleased to read in your annual report that your company has implemented a Total Quality Management program because TQM was the focus of much of my management coursework and individual research in college. I possess the know-how to propel your TQM program’s success.

When I read in the Wall Street Journal that your company plans to install a companywide ZapNet network I was excited because I have developed expertise in ZapNet programming and troubleshooting as a result of my information technology studies and internships.

I was delighted to learn that your company plans to make a major investment of funds and human resources in establishing a major presence on the Web. My thorough knowledge of HTML CSS and Java along with my exemplary performance in my Internet marketing classes will enable me to hit the ground running on your Web Marketing team.

I am aware that cost-cutting will continue to be a major priority for your hospital and I am therefore convinced that my ideas on achieving cost-effectiveness while maintaining quality patient care make me the perfect addition to your Purchasing Department.

An article in Business Week noted that your company’s major thrust for the next five years will be to increase market share for the Tend-a-Pet product line. I have innovative ideas for increasing market share and my education has equipped me to implement those ideas for you.

The business press has reported that deregulation has led to ever-increasing competition in your field. I am convinced I have the training and smarts to assist you in maintaining your competitive edge.

I was excited to read about your new software product GPA-Builder a sure winner. My enthusiasm for this product combined with my comprehensive software knowledge ensure that I can effectively sell this program for you.

The fact that your company is planning a strategic alliance with Bevco is of great interest to me not only because I’ve studied a great deal about effective strategic alliances but because I did an internship last summer at Bevco.

Your annual report notes that your company’s growth rate is approximately 14 percent yearly. I’d like to be part of the team that keeps the firm on that upward trajectory.

When I read on the Internet of your company’s major plans for globalization I couldn’t wait to contact you. My fluency in three languages study-abroad experience and solid education in international business can only benefit you in this expansion.

Learning of your company’s commitment to professional development of its employees was extremely meaningful to me because of my coursework in employee-training programs and my demonstrated presentation skills.

Since mission statements are trendy your knowledge of the company mission statement or operating philosophy can have a strong impact:

The mission statement of the St. George Lumber Company which I read in your annual report is inspiring to me because I share its values of respect for the environment dedication to customer service and concern for shareholder profit.

In addition to specific company knowledge awareness of trends and current events in the industry can also strengthen your cover letter:

Fortune magazine reports that the trend toward outsourcing is continuing to grow. I’m sure that means your consulting firm is eager to add well-educated enthusiastic new faces — like mine — to its team.

Emerging trade agreements between nations are bound to affect your business. I did my senior research project at Brown University on trade agreements and would like to discuss some of my ideas with you.

I don’t pretend to know any more than the next person about whether interest rates will rise or fall. But I began following the stock market long before I earned my degree in finance and I know how to respond to market fluctuations and calm worried investors.

Having played tennis for many years I am aware that the equipment a tennis player uses is extremely important. Through my international and collegiate experience I have learned a great deal about the tennis industry and how it functions. It is a very competitive industry in which improvements can give a company an edge over its competitors. In this market-driven industry the quality of an organization’s marketing department is the basis for the firm’s success. I am convinced I can provide that quality and competitive edge.

Maximize your career and job-search knowledge and skills! Take advantage of The Quintessential Careers Content Index which enables site visitors to locate articles tutorials quizzes and worksheets in 35 career college job-search topic areas.

Dr. Randall S. Hansen is founder of Quintessential Careers, one of the oldest and most comprehensive career development sites on the Web, as well CEO of EmpoweringSites.com. He is also founder of MyCollegeSuccessStory.com and EnhanceMyVocabulary.com. He is publisher of Quintessential Careers Press, including the Quintessential Careers electronic newsletter, QuintZine. Dr. Hansen is also a published author, with several books, chapters in books, and hundreds of articles. He’s often quoted in the media and conducts empowering workshops around the country. Finally, Dr. Hansen is also an educator, having taught at the college level for more than 15 years. Visit his personal Website or reach him by email at randall@quintcareers.com. Check out Dr. Hansen on GooglePlus.